Learning guitar provides a window into a world of potential music that can enhance your life a long, long time into the future. The project might be overwhelming at first, but knowing where to get started prepares you to succeed and sidestep potholes that ensnare so many new students. Tips for beginner guitar players can…
Dancing provides one with wonderful physical and mental benefits, regardless of age. While increasing coordination and flexibility and cultivating confidence and creativity, entering a dance studio in Pearland, TX, can revitalize your exercise schedule and calendar of events. Because there are so many types of dance classes to be explored in dance studios across the…
It’s a skill to read sheet music, and it gives access to a universe of potential songs to sing from. There’s a possibility to sing from memory, but to be capable of reading sheet music gives access to a song library, allows work with other musicians, and further advances general music education. It may seem…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 4.15.2024 Dance Teaching Assistants In 2008, an adorable preschooler named Katelyn walked into her first dance class. It was at a new studio housed at the Friendswood Friends Church gym, with orange carpet, rolling mirrors, and a giant boom box. That was the first year of Chara Christian…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 3.15.2024 The Value of Friendships As a child, my parents often spoke to me about my “rings of influence”. We want our children to be able to hold positive interactions with a wide range of peers in the outermost ring, but have the innermost ring occupied with a…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 1.15.2024 The Impact of Parent Participation Last month our dancers welcomed parents or guardians into their dance classes as a part of our Studio Showcase Week prior to the Christmas holiday. Parents stretched, chasse-d, and pas de bourrée-d their way through class. Some enthusiastically….some mustering up that enthusiasm! …
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 12.15.2023 Opportunities for Inspiration Last month, I took a week away from the studio to participate in a “bucket list” continuing education opportunity: a conference for business leaders at Ramsey Solutions in Nashville, Tennessee. The wow-factor—in both the learning and the environment—was huge! Regular participation in learning…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 11.15.2023 The Value of the Compound Effect In 18 years of owning Chara Christian Dance Academy, I’ve found there is one thing—the “eighth wonder of the world”—that yields results no matter the application: the compound effect. The compound effect is made up of small, consistent steps…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 10.15.2023 The Discipline of Receiving Feedback As a kid, my favorite response was “I know.” “Shanna, it’s your turn to unload the dishwasher.” “I know.” “That transition is on count 5-6.” “I know.” “The way you spoke to your sister just now was not OK.” “I…
Written by Shanna Kirkpatrick, Chara Founder 9.15.2023 The Value of Positive Mentors There are many women who have had a tremendous impact on my life—as mentors and role models, teachers and guides. Some of them I’ve known since childhood; others I met as an adult. This summer, I took time to connect with…